30UNDER30’s Maeve Mullane on design as storytelling and the language of materials

Maeve Mullane is a Sydney-based interior designer who focuses on human-centred work and is led by material choices. As a member of Australian Design Review‘s 30UNDER30 for 2025/2026, she excels at challenging conventions through the use of offbeat colours, unconventional forms and unexpected textures.

Australian Design Review: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Maeve Mullane: In summer, you’ll usually find me at the north end of Maroubra Beach. When I’m not there, I enjoy going to my favourite local Redfern wine bars with friends. Cooking is another creative outlet for me in a completely different way – experimenting with recipes (often with a little help from Molly Baz), sharing meals and bringing my friends together.

What has been a highlight in your career so far?

The opportunity to work alongside and learn from an inspiring group of women across architecture and design. Being part of teams led by thoughtful, ambitious and generous designers with incredible positive energy has shaped the way I approach projects, and how I understand collaboration and leadership within the industry. Each leader brings a lightness and joy to their projects that I admire.

How would you describe your work?

Material-led, expressive and deeply human. I am guided by curiosity and empathy, and mindful of the responsibility I carry as a designer to care for Country. I’m fascinated by how space can connect people to place and to one another. My work is an act of care – an appreciation for site, history, form, function and the poetics of daily life. My design approach is instinctive and playful. I have a strong collaborative spirit and a healthy aversion to playing it safe. I enjoy upending conventional ideas to create spaces that delight. An offbeat colour, an unconventional form or an unexpected texture create richly expressive interiors that cultivate identity and joy.

Most fundamentally, my work is storytelling. Though scale, sites and clients may change, what remains constant is an understanding that designs are not simply spaces; they are experiences. My work is grounded in respect for people, place and life. Narrative-rich design informed by collaboration is why I love what I do.

What guiding values drive you, and what kind of impact do you hope to make through your work?

My method of working has always been enthusiastic, collaborative and driven by kindness and trust. I’m inspired by people, ideas and the sharing of knowledge. Design is community, and my work is richer because of it. Materials are my language: how they sing together, clash and layer warmth. I’m endlessly curious about the choreography and textural complexity between them. Something I hope people take away from my work is that interiors are alive. With that in mind, I design with care, with responsibility and conviction – choosing materials thoughtfully, valuing longevity over short-term excess, and creating spaces that can adapt and endure and transform the way people live, work and play.

How did it feel to make it into Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30?

It’s both exciting and humbling to be included in this year’s 30UNDER30 cohort and to share it with such an amazing group of designers. Receiving this recognition is a great reminder that growth and development come when you take risks and stay curious. It’s also a testament to the many people I’ve had the privilege of studying with, learning from and working alongside. Their support, collaboration and generosity have meant the world to me. I am really looking forward to the opportunities ahead through the program and excited to meet everyone!

Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 is brought to you by major sponsor Neolith, alongside partners Designer Rugs, Laufen, Krost, Miele, Signature Appliances powered by Mieleand Tongue & Groove.